TORONTO - Two more Ontario cabinet ministers have stepped down as the race for the Liberal leadership heats up.

Dr. Eric Hoskins, who represents the Toronto riding of St. Paul’s, has resigned as minister of children and youth services — a prerequisite for making a leadership bid.

Charles Sousa says he has resigned as minister of citizenship and immigration and the minister responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

Neither confirmed that they were running to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty, but both hinted at it, saying they want to be a part of the party’s renewal.

Sousa is expected to throw his hat in the ring Saturday when he makes a yet-unspecified announcement in Mississauga.

Hoskins, 51, said he’ll be releasing more details on his decision at a news conference early next week.

“Together, I am confident that we can move our party forward with a strong, compassionate leadership rooted in principled politics,” he said in a statement.

The Oxford-educated Rhodes scholar is perhaps more well-known outside political circles as a celebrated humanitarian who started War Child Canada with his wife, Dr. Samatha Nutt. They have a 7-year-old son, Rhys.

Hoskins is an Officer of the Order of Canada and received the United Nations Lester B. Pearson Peace Medal as well as the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Cross.

He was first elected in a 2009 byelection that was triggered when former cabinet minister Michael Bryant left politics, and was soon elevated to cabinet as minister of citizenship and immigration.

Sousa, who represents Mississauga South, was first elected in 2007 and has also served as minister of labour.

Before jumping into politics, Sousa worked at the Royal Bank of Canada Financial Group for more than 20 years, according to his MPP website. Before that, he owned and operated a factoring company that offered financial services to small businesses.

He and his wife Zenny have three children.

“As we embark in our party’s renewal process, I hope to continue to serve Ontarians in the spirit of passion and integrity the premier has exemplified during his time in office,” Sousa said in a statement.

The list of candidates vying to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty is growing longer, with three former cabinet minister launching their campaigns this week.

Sandra Pupatello, who left politics a year ago, made it official on Thursday. Kathleen Wynne and Glen Murray — both Toronto MPPs — resigned from cabinet to jump in the race.

McGuinty triggered the competition when he prorogued the legislature and announced his retirement on Oct. 15, saying he’d stay on until a new leader is chosen.

Potential candidates have until Nov. 23 to launch their bids. The party will choose McGuinty’s successor the weekend of Jan. 25, 2013, in Toronto.